PERCH LOOKING FORWARD TO HOME RUN

Defender talks about unbeaten home form as Latics head into busy period at the DW.

Following the international fixtures Latics will head into a run of three consecutive home games, spanning over just eight days.

Starting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 23 November, the DW Stadium will then stage Matchday 5 of the Europa League against Zulte Waregem, before Derby County visit in the first game of December.

So far this season Owen Coyle’s side are unbeaten in their home surroundings, something which defender James Perch believes has given them the utmost confidence.

“Our home form has been unbelievable,” said the 28-year-old.

“We’re going into home games now with the confidence that we won’t give anything away.

“I think that’s working the other way around as well in that the teams visiting are expecting a very tough game.”

Perch added such a mentality is one the team are looking for:

“That’s the kind of environment we want to create, we want it to be daunting for other teams to play us at the DW Stadium and for them to feel like they’re coming to a place where they’re not going to get anything from.”

Coupled with the strong home support, Perch believes the mental state of the squad has played a big part in the stable start Latics have made to the season.

“There has been a shift in mentality here there’s no doubt about that,” he added.

“The club has gone from being underdogs in the Premier League to being a team that others are aiming to get a scalp from.”

Perch went on to praise the togetherness of the squad, with both the old and new players.

“I think it was crucial in the summer that the majority of the team’s core players committed themselves into helping the club get back into the Premier League.

“It’s a credit to the likes of Ben (Watson), Callum (McManaman) and the others guys who fought to try and keep the club up last season.

“It shows what mentality of player we have at the club in that these guys don’t just simply give up.

“That mentality is also in the players that the gaffer brought in and right now we’re coming up with a very good formula for our future success.”

Supporters can now take advantage of a fantastic offer for the next three home games, which include Brighton & Hove Albion, Zulte Waregem and Derby County all together for one great price. [Click here] for more information.